3 Minute Minor
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- Sep 29, 2009
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F Aito Iguchi - Saitama Warriors, Japan (2021 Draft)
- Thread starter JFG
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that's all great but there is a real lack of facilities and ice time for the kid in Japan (watch one of those clips posted earlier).
and while it's great to develop skills in relative isolation, which he has already done, there is no substitute for actual gameplay and playing against better competition.
I don't think following Canada's development track is the best for Japanese hockey either. I would say that Canada is so good at hockey is because majority of the population plays it. It is a religion for the country and you're born with skates on from the first seconds of life. Even for a country of 30 million people, when you have so many people play it, you will eventually produce players like Doughty, Crosby, and Mario to name a few. Not trying to deem it horrible, its still better than 99% of rest of the world, but I think its more of a numbers game than actual prep and minor hockey development.
I would say that Sweden is probably the best example in how to develop into a hockey superpower with limited resources (compared to Canada). And just because Canada coaches are different to Japanese, or others doesn't mean either that Canada is the way to develop. I would say that Russia's style from coaching and development from minor hockey surpasses Canada. Canada in minor hockey is focusing too much dump and chase and winning culture. While in Russia, they're developing more for skill and skating for childhood. Sweden I would say is a hybrid style of both, which is why they produce so many quality two-way players.
Japan has a lot of potential though for hockey, because living in Japan, you should know how team orientated not only Japan, but all Asian cultures are. Nobody, even a star player is deemed higher than someone else, even if the star player gets more minutes than a 4th liner. The grassroot level is still pretty bad for Japan, but the sport is still played by 19,000 players (which is more than Slovakia). It is growing and getting better. I would hope that Iguchi would leave Japan, but not because of development issues, but for more exposure issues. And going to NA isn't the answer either, following Kopitar is probably what every lower hockey nations player should do. Sweden has practically a league for every talent class...
- SHL
- Allsvenskan
- U20 Superelit
- U20 Elit
- U20 Division 1
- U20 Division 2
- U18 Allsvenskan
- U18 Elit
- U18 Division 1
- U16 SM
- U16 Elite
- U16 Division 1
All these leagues for any type of talent class player to play in. You're 15 year old Forsberg? Don't worry because you can play in U20 Division 1. Too good for that? U20 Elit, still too good? U20 Superelit for you with some taste against men with some playing time in Allsvenskan and SHL. A late developer like in Soderberg? Well, you get consistent playing minutes in the Superelit and maybe some time with a Allsvenskan team as well until you're ready for the SHL (and beyond). If Iguchi comes to North America, and isn't good enough for the USHL or CHL, where is going to go? Junior A in random areas like OCN in MJHL? Or Junior B or C where all the fighting goon trash resides in?
Great points on level of tiers for players in Sweden.
The Ccanadian system isn't that far off though with lots of "elite" programs and tiers before players begin CHL play.
not as many as a player goes up the pyramid to be sure.
trellaine201
Registered User
Lol manga 
Japanese people are awesome. I'm pretty sure he plays all over the world when possible. I think he played in a tournament in New York previously. And if your in the northern part of Japan especially where it's colder and more snow. Must be people playing
Wish I was there now.
Japanese people are awesome. I'm pretty sure he plays all over the world when possible. I think he played in a tournament in New York previously. And if your in the northern part of Japan especially where it's colder and more snow. Must be people playing Wish I was there now.
People are getting really hung up on the word Canada, so let's expand that: This kid would develop better if he were playing in the top leagues of the US, Sweden, Russia, Finland, and yes, Canada. Does he have to go there? No.
Agreed. More recent examples are Pastrnak, Vrana and Fiala.
Edit: And to some extent the Nylanders.
I am toxic
. . . even in small doses
I know this guy has been talked about before. There is an updated YouTube video of his training in May. I think he's 11-12 yrs old.
If anyone is interested his team the Japan Samaruai are playing in the pat Quinn classic this week in Burnaby. He has 9 goals and 2 assists in three games so far. Tiny player but awesome skating, passing.
I watched the game today. Japan looked quite good. 14-4 win. Not only did Iguchi look good but most of the Japanese team
Here is the YouTube vid.
http://youtu.be/G35kCw8BOtI
Not to derail the thread, but the 10 year old I mentioned above was also at the tournament. Tied for 10th in goal-scoring with 5 goals (Aito was 1st in goal-scoring with 15).
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Look, I mean this with no offense and I love what this kid is doing, but he should start thinking about, if he hasn't already, getting a professional trainer to help him improve in all aspects of his game, not just his stick handling.
You can't dangle your way to the NHL and stay there for long. He's too young for this now, but I would say in a year or two...
You can't dangle your way to the NHL and stay there for long. He's too young for this now, but I would say in a year or two...
Just watched Japanese team play.
Aito and Rihito both real nice players but I could probably name 20 kids off the top of my head as good if not better
Rihito the more aggressive of the two while Aito more passive but when he got the puck lookout - had two nice assists.
Japan lost 7-3
Aito and Rihito both real nice players but I could probably name 20 kids off the top of my head as good if not better
Rihito the more aggressive of the two while Aito more passive but when he got the puck lookout - had two nice assists.
Japan lost 7-3
habsrule4eva3089
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- Nov 22, 2008
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I am not denying the kid has unbelievable SKILLS but you know who else has great skills - the golfer doing trick shots on the driving range but can't even sniff the PGA Tour.
Aito played passively all night, hanging high waiting for the puck to squirt out. When he did get the puck he did some nice things but IMHO when he plays better talent (the team he played was average at best) he will be hard pressed to find the time and space to work his magic.
As to naming others who are better - I am not in the habit of naming 12 year olds online (I assume this thread was started by the same people who post his videos on line) so I will just say watch the 03 Belle Tire team or the 03 NJ Colonials and you will see at least 10 kids who are better.
If you want to see videos, wait for the Quebec tournament highlights.
Heck, the two centers for the 04 Mid Fairfield Jr Rangers are better.
Aito played passively all night, hanging high waiting for the puck to squirt out. When he did get the puck he did some nice things but IMHO when he plays better talent (the team he played was average at best) he will be hard pressed to find the time and space to work his magic.
As to naming others who are better - I am not in the habit of naming 12 year olds online (I assume this thread was started by the same people who post his videos on line) so I will just say watch the 03 Belle Tire team or the 03 NJ Colonials and you will see at least 10 kids who are better.
If you want to see videos, wait for the Quebec tournament highlights.
Heck, the two centers for the 04 Mid Fairfield Jr Rangers are better.
stokes84
Registered User
A 12 year old didn't bring it every shift. Classic bust.
Seriously though, those hands are miraculous for a kid. Hopefully he gets the support he needs to fill it all out.
Seriously though, those hands are miraculous for a kid. Hopefully he gets the support he needs to fill it all out.
Man, you'd think I would learn you can't win on this site.
I never said kid was a bust and I said his skills were unbelievable.
All I said was pump the breaks a bit, that there are plenty of kids his age that are better players - they just don't have professionally edited YouTube videos.
Plus, I thought some people would enjoy a first hand "scouting" report rather than a video.
Silly me.
I never said kid was a bust and I said his skills were unbelievable.
All I said was pump the breaks a bit, that there are plenty of kids his age that are better players - they just don't have professionally edited YouTube videos.
Plus, I thought some people would enjoy a first hand "scouting" report rather than a video.
Silly me.
izzy
go
Yeah, private Pavel Barber lessons and Pavel Barber video style editing would make any kid look like the next big thing
Once again you miss my point:
Kid has great skills but stop making him out to the second coming of McJesus
There are tons of kids in the US and Canada that could put together similar highlight videos AND are better players.
Don't believe me? Go to Quebec in February and watch for yourself
Kid has great skills but stop making him out to the second coming of McJesus
There are tons of kids in the US and Canada that could put together similar highlight videos AND are better players.
Don't believe me? Go to Quebec in February and watch for yourself
I am toxic
. . . even in small doses
This is what I saw as well, live at the BCSC last June in the AAA bronze game - against NA AAA players his own age, he can't get away with those moves. Hopefully he continues to develop and can take it to the next level, but I think it will be tough - easy to dominate at a young age when have a head-start, gets harder when the other kids start to put in the training (hockey being a late development sport). Same applies to the 10 yo I keep bringing up (which I do rather than another thread because he plays at the same level while being 2 years younger, their teams have gone head to head at the Pat Quinn, both have played on teams coached by the BC Brick Team coach and the 10yo is going to the Quebec tournament this year but in AAA not Elite).
And he's just going to stagnate and become left in the dust when the kids get better? That's what I am getting from yours and Hockey38 posts. Just because kids around him are going to get better doesn't mean he won't either. I see what he's able to do now will only help him in getting better and more talented for the future. And not being physical won't consider him a bust neither, if he develops the vision Kane and Datysuk have, he will be hard to hit. Not saying he won't even be a 1st round, but it's sad that people can't give him some credit. It's like they have to have justify their opinions by saying he might not amount to anything based on a 4 game Tournament or so. He detroyed the Pat Quinn Classic against Canadian players and just lost to a better team like Winter Club, and which is probably the best minor hockey Association from west to Ontario.
Kid has nice dangles, but it looks like he is playing against house league level talent. It would be interesting to see him line up against GTHL AAA players. also, is the latest video a few posts up from his 12 year old year? He looks very small and shifty but not North/south fast and powerful. kid would get smoked next year when it's time to start hitting and playing with power. nice mitts but this isn't interpretative ice hockey. Needs to do a lot of growing.
looking forward to see how this kid develops and also the 10 year old from Burnaby, is he the next Barzal?
bobby183
Registered User
If you like to see Aito Iguchi in most recent games against NA AAA elite team,
See below link for full game video broadcasted at Pat Quinn Classic 2015-16 held around Vancouver Dec. 2015 (see in full screen mode for score banner, skip to 9min for start of game). This tourney attracted AAA elite clubs who are regular at the Quebec Peewee tourney. Videos are against NSWC and Langley, NSWC regular at Quebec tourney and I believe they won it in 2012.
http://sportscanada.tv/pqc/archives/6317
http://sportscanada.tv/pqc/archives/6327
Just watch Aito in the game and how he and the Japan team plays against some of the elite AAA teams in NA should put a lot of the comments and uncertainties about how Aito fairs against them to rest...for now at this Peewee level.
Actually the Japanese team shows good fore and back checks, organized, has some system plays and overall a descent team considering that the team was put together weeks prior to the tourney.
Aito Iguchi is #34 (small, blue helmet) and in the game shows that he has the abilities, puck handling, skating and hockey IQ skills at a very high level even compared to elites in NA peewee. Despite his small size he actually skates fast enough at par or better.
He won one of the two highest scorer prize of the tourney with 5 - 15 - 8 - 23. That's more than 4 points per game against AAA elite teams in NA.
Yusaku Ando #87 (red pants, white helmet)
Personally, I like Yusaku better, he is also a forward (sometimes played defenceman), much bigger than Aito (big in NA standard also), fast and also demonstrates similar skills Aito possesses. Reading many Japanese local web sites and articles on him (I read and speak Japanese fluently), he is a #1 prospect in Hokkaido hockey scene top sorer records even playing in the league with older kids. No disrespect to Aito I still think he is one of the best out there. I just think Yusaku is a better total package.
He also won the other highest scorer prize at 5 - 13 - 9 - 22.
Another notable is Tsubasa Yamaguchi #8.
Trevor Wong considered one of the top peewees in NA scene faired well but at 6 - 8 - 5 - 13 (fourth place in the tourney)
(Hayate Abe #88 won the best defenseman of the tourney.)
These are based on facts and video provided.
As a side comment, the team Japan Samurai in this tourney is a Japan select team with some of the top players chosen from Kansai, Chubu, Kanto, Tohoku, Hokuriku and Hokkaido regions. (They also called the team as Samurai since the Japanese national hockey team is called Samurai)
There is also a Japan Select team that is put together to enter the Quebec Peewee Tourney, coached by Kurokawa, they enter in Inter B division and have made semifinals every year they entered, but this team unfortunately does not have the best Japanese Peewee players due to the timing of the Q tourney coinciding with the important league matches in Japan and the top teams do not allow their best players to be absent. So this team is far from the best select of Japan. Seems that they have difficulty pulling any players together every year...resulting in having to open it to girls and 9 and 10 year olds (not that I have anything against girl peewees).
The team you see in this video at Pat Quinn Classic is much better represented.
I am sure that some of you commented negatively about Aito's ability and hockey calibre at Peewee level in Japan will become defensive and create negative comments to this post...but just let the facts and actual video of the game speak.
My conclusion - Aito is just as good and fairs well in NA AAA elites at Peewee level. Top Peewee players in Japan are just as good as top NA Peewee AAA elite players. Their individual skill levels for the boys mentioned above, are at a very top level also.
my 5 cents!
See below link for full game video broadcasted at Pat Quinn Classic 2015-16 held around Vancouver Dec. 2015 (see in full screen mode for score banner, skip to 9min for start of game). This tourney attracted AAA elite clubs who are regular at the Quebec Peewee tourney. Videos are against NSWC and Langley, NSWC regular at Quebec tourney and I believe they won it in 2012.
http://sportscanada.tv/pqc/archives/6317
http://sportscanada.tv/pqc/archives/6327
Just watch Aito in the game and how he and the Japan team plays against some of the elite AAA teams in NA should put a lot of the comments and uncertainties about how Aito fairs against them to rest...for now at this Peewee level.
Actually the Japanese team shows good fore and back checks, organized, has some system plays and overall a descent team considering that the team was put together weeks prior to the tourney.
Aito Iguchi is #34 (small, blue helmet) and in the game shows that he has the abilities, puck handling, skating and hockey IQ skills at a very high level even compared to elites in NA peewee. Despite his small size he actually skates fast enough at par or better.
He won one of the two highest scorer prize of the tourney with 5 - 15 - 8 - 23. That's more than 4 points per game against AAA elite teams in NA.
Yusaku Ando #87 (red pants, white helmet)
Personally, I like Yusaku better, he is also a forward (sometimes played defenceman), much bigger than Aito (big in NA standard also), fast and also demonstrates similar skills Aito possesses. Reading many Japanese local web sites and articles on him (I read and speak Japanese fluently), he is a #1 prospect in Hokkaido hockey scene top sorer records even playing in the league with older kids. No disrespect to Aito I still think he is one of the best out there. I just think Yusaku is a better total package.
He also won the other highest scorer prize at 5 - 13 - 9 - 22.
Another notable is Tsubasa Yamaguchi #8.
Trevor Wong considered one of the top peewees in NA scene faired well but at 6 - 8 - 5 - 13 (fourth place in the tourney)
(Hayate Abe #88 won the best defenseman of the tourney.)
These are based on facts and video provided.
As a side comment, the team Japan Samurai in this tourney is a Japan select team with some of the top players chosen from Kansai, Chubu, Kanto, Tohoku, Hokuriku and Hokkaido regions. (They also called the team as Samurai since the Japanese national hockey team is called Samurai)
There is also a Japan Select team that is put together to enter the Quebec Peewee Tourney, coached by Kurokawa, they enter in Inter B division and have made semifinals every year they entered, but this team unfortunately does not have the best Japanese Peewee players due to the timing of the Q tourney coinciding with the important league matches in Japan and the top teams do not allow their best players to be absent. So this team is far from the best select of Japan. Seems that they have difficulty pulling any players together every year...resulting in having to open it to girls and 9 and 10 year olds (not that I have anything against girl peewees).
The team you see in this video at Pat Quinn Classic is much better represented.
I am sure that some of you commented negatively about Aito's ability and hockey calibre at Peewee level in Japan will become defensive and create negative comments to this post...but just let the facts and actual video of the game speak.
My conclusion - Aito is just as good and fairs well in NA AAA elites at Peewee level. Top Peewee players in Japan are just as good as top NA Peewee AAA elite players. Their individual skill levels for the boys mentioned above, are at a very top level also.
my 5 cents!
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HockeyHistorian
Registered User
- Mar 17, 2015
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Completely unrelated to hockey, but it makes me smile when I think that the word "aito" means either real or genuine in Finnish. I read his name always as "The Genuine Iguchi". A fitting name for a puck magician that he is. 
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